There is no doubt that App Store is filled by several puzzles but there is a kind of this genre that I love to play: no timer, no speed increasing but the game gets harder even though. CashMachine is a great example of such type.

Loading time is short and the initial menu is very well organized.

Along with two game modes (Normal and Time Attack), resume ability and an illustrated Help the game also features a complete online integration delivered by Agon Online. Local and World high scores, Friends and Achievements are all supported.

Gameplay

The game has a simple and well known approach: swap tiles to math 3 or more of the same kind. But here is the unique touch: when a match is done the tiles are not removed from the board, instead a new one is created with a higher value. For example: if you match 3 silver bars a new gold bar will be generated. Then to remove the gold bar you have to match three of them but then a Ruby is created (and so on...).

There are 12 elements to handle but it has an easy to learn hierarchy. The bronze coin worth 5 and the more expensive tile worth 100,000 (a pink pearl).

One of the interesting things about this game is the score system because your score is the sum of the tile values on the board. So it is not composed by a sequence of combos or how many alike tiles you match at once. This approach requires a different strategy that we use to play. If you, for example, manage to match 6 bronze coins (worth 30) you will get, at the end, one plate coin that is worth just 20. This move can decrease the score!

On the other side, removing tiles can create space for more valuable ones so you can increase the score later.

The game is over when the board if completely filled.

It is a very clever system that makes you think about every move.

Due the board size a game does not take too long to finish so it is perfect for a pick up and play session.

The controls are simple: tap to rotate and slide to move right/left/drop.

Graphics

The graphics are simple but they are colorblind aware and the board design makes easy to see where the tiles will drop.

Animations are smooth with some particle effects. Nothing fancy but they work very well for the game.

Sound

The background music is not good and it is repetitive. Fortunately it properly supports iPOD music along with sound effects.

The sound effects are subtle and match perfectly the game.

Pros

Good presentationGreat gameplay and scoring systemTwo game modesFast loading timeIt can properly resumeiPOD music support along with sound effectsComplete online featureIllustrated help

Cons

Simple graphicsRepetitive background music

Conclusion

CashMachine is one of the best puzzle games that delivers an unique gameplay along with a score system that requires stressless strategy. It is more than recommended.

Ratings (scale of 1 to 5):

Graphics: -3.5- simple but colorblind awareSound: -3.5- BGM is repetitive but it supports iPOD music along with sound effectsControls: -5- work perfectlyGameplay: -5- stressless strategy in Normal mode

Playing Hints and Tips:

Read the illustrated InstructionsTry to match from right to left of the boardTry to avoid letting a higher element over a simpler oneAt the end of a game sometimes is worth to place tiles instead make a match